VEHICLE BURGLARY ALERT: 22 vehicles burglarized since January 1; 3 suspects in custody
02/14/2008
Police Chief Jerry Dyer would like to inform residents of a vehicle burglary series occurring in Northwest Fresno near Riverpark.
Since January 1, 2008, 22 vehicle burgalries have occurred in the Riverpark, Villagio, Universal Park and Loagen's Roadhouse parking lots. These incidents are primarily occurring during the late afternoon and evening hours throughout all days of the week. The suspects are gaining entry into the vehicles primarily by defeating the outer locking mechanisms and stealing the property inside.
On Friday, February 8, 2008, officers arrested 3 subjects attempting to break into a vehicle in the Bed, Bath and Beyond parking lot (Logan's Roadhouse area). Plainclothes officers working a nearby operation and uniformed patrol officers performed a traffic stop on the vehicle. The suspects were found with several car stereos in their possession.
The subjects arrested were:
Albert Efrain Hernandez (6/6/85) Bulldog gang member of Fresno. A parolee who was charged with attempted vehicle burglary, conspiracy and parole violation.
Christian Sandoval (2/10/83) of Fresno. He was charged with attempted vehicle burglary and conspiracy.
Eric Daniel Lopez (8/3/88) of Fresno. Lopez was on probation and was charged with attempted vehicle burglary, conspiracy and a violation of his juvenile parole, even though he is now an adult.
The 3 suspects have also been charged with a vehicle burglary that occurred at John's Incredible Pizza.
As of late Wednesday afternoon, the Northwest District has not had a vehicle burglary in any of the lots hit during the series.
Drivers are reminded to keep all valuables out of vehicles and to equip vehicles with anti-theft devices. In particular, thieves are looking for GPS navigations systems, cell phones, car stereos and other electronics.
Please contact Public Information Officer Jeff Cardinale at (559) 621-2486 or (559) 978-9687 (cell) with any media inquiries.